Zaragozana

Style of food: Spanish/Mediterranean

Cost: Moderate

Type of place: State

Food
Ambience
Service
Value

Best for: Football memorabilia on the walls is interesting.

Worst for: Gloomy inside, unexceptional food

Monserrate, entre Obispo y Obrapía La Habana Vieja

(+53)7867 - 1040

Open noon-midnight

This restaurant’s origin dates back to its founding in 1830. Some people say that it always had the distinctive cooking style of the Spanish region it was named after ever since they opened. In those days, travellers and coachmen used to step by this restaurant, which nowadays draws sustenance from the tradition introduced by one of its earliest owners, José Currais, from Zaragoza. Decorated with neckerchiefs, flags, scarf’s and pictures of football players donated by clients, the restaurant has a well-established Spanish cooking tradition. Famous names from the world of art and literature such as Ernest Hemingway (a regular client of adjoining bar and restaurant El Floridita), Nicolás Guillén, Chucho Valdés and Tata Güines have left their stamp on this place.

The menu includes obligatory paella, Asturian bean stew, classic fried garbanzo beans, and various types of shellfish dishes. How good is it? It is tempting to say that after 180 years it should be a lot better than it is. Decidedly average is about the kindest conclusion to be reached and overall, despite all the memorabilia, it remains somewhat gloomy. Bring on the light!

(At the time of our visit, the premises were closed for remodeling)